Core has six sections that are free for members to join. Sections are networks that focus on specific areas of library work and let members tailor their experience to their areas of interest. Members can join as many sections as they like.
Core's strength is in our sections but also the significant overlap in the work that we do. Participating in a section helps you discover new possibilities for collaboration and action while also giving you a unique professional home within your area of specialty.
Volunteer to Be a Section Leader
Access and Equity
Dedicated to advocacy and equity in areas such as accessibility, copyright, dismantling systemic racism, equity of access, open access, net neutrality, privacy, and representative collections in all types of libraries. We support ALA's lobbying efforts in these areas and provide programming and training in support of equity, diversity, and inclusion, both within the division and the profession.
See what's happening in the Access & Equity Section
Buildings and Operations
Brings together librarians, library workers, and design professionals to analyze, discuss, and share information related to academic, public, and school library buildings, equipment, and furnishings. We share ideas and knowledge to help members stay engaged on changing trends in organizational structures, services, staff operations, and facilities. We also identify and promote adoption of best practices for inclusive practices and design. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to, library site selection; building planning and architecture; library furniture and equipment; interior design; maintenance and security of buildings and property; disaster recovery.
Leadership and Management
Provides librarians and library staff from any positional level or library type who desire to impact the broader professional space to connect around the fundamental proficiencies and knowledge necessary to lead a successful organization. We explore and develop members' skills to create an inspiring vision, motivate people, and manage complex projects. We also help connect larger theoretical constructs to real, practical experiences. Join a network of colleagues who understand and want to help each other succeed...because when we succeed, libraries succeed, and when libraries succeed, everyone benefits.
See what's happening in the Leadership & Management Section
Metadata and Collections
Addresses and improves all aspects of acquisitions, cataloging, collections, continuing resources, metadata, preservation, reformatting, and technical services in all types of libraries. Examples of our work include, but are not limited to, sharing best practices and knowledge in work areas that support collections and discovery; identifying best practices for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the development and description of collections; creation and input on standards and best practices for selection, acquisition, description, access, and preservation of information resources; preservation of both print, media, and digital resources.
Preservation
Starting September 1, we're excited to launch our new Preservation Section! This community brings together seasoned professionals, new and emerging leaders, and anyone interested in preservation or who has preservation as a secondary responsibility. It addresses and improves all aspects of library preservation in all types of libraries. Examples of our work include, but are not limited to: Sharing best practices and knowledge related to preservation; Identifying best practices for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of preservation; Creation and input on standards and best practices for preservation of library content in all forms, including print, digital, audio, and moving images; Fostering leadership development for preservation in Core and the field.
See what's happening in the Preservation Section
Technology
Includes anyone in libraries, archives, museums, and information-related organizations interested in leading edge technology and applications for librarians and information providers, everyone from absolute beginners to hi-tech professionals. We address the planning, development, design, application, and integration of technologies within the library and information environment, the impact of emerging technologies on library service, and the effect of automated technologies on people. Our work includes, but is not limited to, identifying and adopting of best practices for inclusive practices and design; making ALA information policy concrete for members and the profession by providing resources, tools, training, and community support for adoption and implementation; helping librarians to understand emerging technologies and translate them into actionable plans for library services; bridging the technology related needs and discussions across all types of libraries and operational areas.
Section Leader Resources
- Core Handbook
- Section Leaders Group in ALA Connect